Sermons from Parker DC

God, open our eyes to see that those who are with us are greater than those who are against us! In this message from the "Peaks & Valleys" sermon series, Pastor Joey looks at the infamous "Angel Armies" text in 2 Kings 6. The prophet Elisha is surrounded by hostile Syrian forces and yet is completely at peace. Why? Elisha sees what most don't. The prophet is aware of Go...

In the latest message from the "Peaks & Valleys" sermon series, Pastor Joey looks at a simple story in 2 Kings 6 about a lost axe head. It seems incredibly insignificant, but not to the one who had borrowed the axe in the first place. In urgency, this man runs to Elisha and pleads for help. As a result, God miraculously makes the iron axe head float. At first glance this text looks u...

2 Kings 5 is a relatively familiar text as we get to Naaman and his unconventional swim in the Jordan River, resulting in his healing of leprosy. But as we look deeper, we discover a lot more! Naaman has to swallow his pride in order to discover physical healing. And as a result, he also finds faith in the God of Israel. In contrast, Naaman's servant is driven by greed, dishonesty, and selfish...

It's amazing how many miracles and teachings in the New Testament are foreshadowed in the Old. In this text from 2 Kings 4:38-44, Pastor Joey emphasizes that Jesus is the Bread of Life (see also John 6) that is pictured in the manna of the Exodus, the miracles here of the soup and the bread, and the feeding of the 5,000 in the gospels. God uses Elisha to redeem the deadly soup (also redeeming...

What do we do when life throws us a curve? In reality, our life is really not in our hands. Contrary to Bon Jovi's "It's My Life", our life is at the disposal of the Sovereign God of the universe who orchestrates everything according to His good, pleasing, and perfect will. In this message we look at a story that is roller coaster of emotions of life, death, and resurrection... a...

In a very similar story to Elijah's interaction with the widow of Zarephath, 2 Kings 4 gives us a picture of God's SUFFICIENCY and PROVISION amid an incredibly desperate moment. One of the prophet's wives approach Elisha needing God's help after her husband's sudden death. What is at stake is the freedom of her children and ultimately life for the family. The prophet instructs...

Of FIRST IMPORTANCE. Paul spoke in these terms in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 as he clarifies the core weekend of the gospel story when Jesus died, was buried, and rose again! In this Easter Sunday message, Pastor Joey looks at the basic texts in Luke 23-24 of the Crucifixion, burial, and Resurrection of our Lord, highlighting the necessity for all and the unity of the work of Christ. Christ has won the...

In this impromptu message, Pastor Joey sits aside the "Peaks & Valleys" series to look at Genesis 22 and God's sacrificial provision to Abraham and how it foreshadows the greatest provision on the Cross. Message preached on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at ParkerDC.

So many sermon titles apply here.... "A Tale Of Two Cities", "To Kill A Mocking Boy", or even "The Bald And The Beautiful". In this text we see the transition of the prophet's influence, from Elijah to Elisha following the former's mysterious departure. In two unique interactions, Elisha brings a blessing upon Jericho and then a curse upon Bethel. Jericho soug...

Some people make an impression when they walk in a room AND some people make a greater impression when they exit. In this case, Elijah's ending is far more memorable than his beginning. In this ninth message from the "Peaks & Valleys" series, Pastor Joey looks at 2 Kings 2 and the "Pyromaniac Prophet's" unusual last day. This text highlights a test that Elijah gives...

Elijah is the "pyromaniac prophet", or so it seems. An an encore to Mt. Carmel's showdown, we find our prophet confronting Ahab's son, Ahaziah, in 2 Kings 1. After having fallen out a window, the new king of Israel is injured. Instead of inquiring of God about the condition, however, Ahaziah chases another god (Baal-zebub), a local derivative of Baal worship. God is not pleased,...

Greed is a nasty sin. It reveals our dissatisfaction with God and His provision and our tendency to chase idols. In this message from the "Peaks & Valleys Series", Pastor Joey takes us to 1 Kings 21 as we look at story of greed, injustice, and confrontation. We see again how God uses Elijah to confront the wickedness of Ahab. We also witness God's patience and kindness even amids...

There is an unfortunate stigma around depression in the church. For some proud reason, we pretend that we don't struggle with mental and emotional health, for it might make our faith look weak. In this message from the "Peaks & Valleys Sermon Series", Pastor Joey looks at Elijah's run from Jezebel, and subsequently his ministry. As a result of unrealized expectations, the pro...

Sometimes prayer is a quick thing, but most often it is a persistent thing. In this text from the "Peaks & Valleys Sermon Series", Pastor Joey looks at the post Mt. Carmel showdown moment when Elijah hears the sound of rain in the distance and then fervently prays for the rain to come. The situation in Israel was dire due to a three and a half year drought (God's discipline due t...

1 Kings 18 is easily one of the most iconic moments in Israel's history. Atop Mount Carmel there is an epic showdown between Elijah and Ahab, God and Baal. If you like a little sarcasm, it's present here. If you enjoy decisive moments that altar the cultural landscape (if for just a moment), you will find it here too. There are times when we all need to make reject indifference and make a...

Are you a troublemaker? We likely can identify with that title at some point in our life. In this second message from the "Peaks & Valleys" series, Pastor Joey steps into the beginning of one of the most dramatic moments in Israel's history. The preparation of Ezekiel in 1 Kings 17 has positioned the prophet for boldness and faith in 1 Kings 18 and the infamous showdown on Mount...

Elijah was just a common man like us (James 5:17), but God worked in and through this prophet in enormous ways. As we begin the "Peaks & Valleys Series" in 1/2 Kings, we discover an obscure prophet called by God, emboldened by His Spirit, and.... in training. We see how God hides Elijah away for a season of waiting, of preparation that is vital to his character development and faith....

Christ loves the Church! Think about that. And if Jesus loves the Church, we are to LOVE the church and actively be part of it! In this beginning message of 2024, Pastor Joey discusses the launch of the Church at Pentecost and how Acts 1:8 fits into the expansion of the Church. The Gospel and The Church are intricately linked. At the conclusion of this message, we talk about the future of ParkerDC...

In this final message from the "Christmas Lights" series, Pastor Joey looks at the eternal rule and reign of Christ as predicated in Isaiah 9 and declared to Mary in Luke 1. Peace is only temporary without Christ. The human condition demands real and lasting peace that is only found in a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. He is our Peace! We need peace with God. We need to be forgive...

Joy is a funny word. Most people think it has something to do with emotions and happiness. But joy is independent of happiness and emotions. It is a conscious decision that is anchored in an unwavering faith in Christ, regardless of circumstances around you. On that Judean hillside, the angel announces "good news of great joy", the gospel proclamation, to some unexpectant temple shepherd...

Matthew and Luke aren't the only Christmas narratives. If you look deeper, John's prologue (John 1) gives us a deep insight into the incarnation (God becoming flesh). One of the most profound elements of this arrival is the MOTIVE for which Jesus comes. The second week of Advent highlights this. Love is what drives God to give. In this second message from the "Christmas Lights Series&...

The deepest darkness can often be found right before the light. As we begin the "Christmas Lights" sermon series, Pastor Joey looks at the gloom and anguish of Israel in the 8th century BC as the glory years have faded and both Israel and Judah (soon) would be in exile. Darkness leaves little room for hope. But God is not finished yet. The prophet Isaiah records this powerful birth annou...

In this finale of the "Standing Firm Series" in 1/2 Thessalonians, Pastor Joey looks at Paul's admonishment to WORK. Work is a gift from God, part of His purpose for humanity. As believer's we are to set the example for our culture in our work ethic. Idleness, laziness, the attitude of entitlement, and a victim's mentality does not reflect the Ephesians 2:10 picture of the be...

In this simple text, Pastor Joey looks at Paul's encouragement of the church in Thessalonica that can be viewed through three sets of doubles. Paul gives two prayer requests, followed by two reasons for confidence, and finally two blessings. And believe it or not, Pastor Joey finally preaches a shorter message (probably because there is Thanksgiving food involved afterwards). Message preached...

A finite mind cannot conceive an infinite God. He is other than us, mysterious in His ways, and beyond comprehension. This truth is important, particularly as we attempt to understand the biblical Doctrine of Election. In this message, Pastor Joey tackles the hard, but biblical words like foreknowledge, choice, predestination, and election from this text in 2 Thessalonians. The only way to reconci...